Advent Giving Tree

Last Day To Donate
December 1

Thanks to all of you who have already donated.

As you know, our Advent Giving Tree (AGT) has been a favorite ministry at St. James for many years. This year we will again use your donations to purchase Hope Program gift cards, which we will then donate to nine charitable organizations within the metro area.

Through December 1, you can contribute by:
• Placing your donation in the Advent Giving Tree donation box, located in the Gathering Space during all Masses
• Mailing your donation to St. James Catholic Church, Attention: AGT, 309 S. Stewart Rd., Liberty, MO 64068
• Dropping your donation off at the Parish office
NOTE: Please make checks payable to St. James Church (with “AGT” on the notation line).

AGT-supported organizations include Bishop Sullivan Center, Liberty Women’s Clinic, Hillcrest Hope, Love INC, Cedars of Liberty, Avalon View Health and Wellness, KC Indian Center, Journey to New Life, and needy families within St. James Parish.

Bishop Sullivan Center (BSC). BSC supports people who are suffering financial hardship by providing food pantries, employment services, rent and utility assistance, medical assistance, a clothes closet, and much more. Your AGT donations will help make Christmas brighter for needy children in the KC Midtown area by providing parents funds to purchase gifts for their children.

Hillcrest Hope (HH). Hillcrest Hope’s mission is to empower the homeless and working poor to achieve personal independence through transitional housing, accountability, education, and community support. Many HH program families struggle to provide basic necessities, and Christmas time can pose an extra financial challenge. AGT donations help HH program parents purchase gifts for their children, demonstrating what the Christmas season is truly about.

St. James Parish. Several families in our own parish are struggling to meet the cost of basic necessities. Last year, your AGT donations helped families buy groceries, as well as purchase needs and wants for their children at Christmas time. We’ll take the same approach with your donations this year. Helping needy St. James families will continue to be a priority for use of AGT funds.

Liberty Women’s Clinic (LWC). Since 2002, LWC has been serving the needs of young women and families in our community by providing free pregnancy resources in a safe, accepting environment. LWC’s objective is to help women make informed, life affirming choices. LWC does not refer nor provide abortions. Your donations will continue to support LWC in its efforts to help needy mothers during their pregnancies.

Journey to New Life (JNL). JNL was founded in 2013. Its mission is to maximize quality of life for men and women returning to the community from prison. JNL helps these individuals reintegrate into the community, providing a welcoming place that offers respect while assisting with basic necessities, housing, and job assistance. Each year JNL serves approximately 2,000 people, including individuals with substance abuse and mental health conditions. Your AGT donations will continue to help provide funding for these valuable services.

Kansas City Indian Center (KCIC) operates as the metro area’s only social service agency for American Indians. KCIC’s mission is to encourage social, educational, and economic advancement of the American Indian community by promoting traditional and cultural values. Your AGT donations will continue to help support KCIC’s food pantry and emergency assistance program.

Love, INC is a partnership of local Christian churches that have joined together to provide volunteer and financial support to the poor. Love, INC provides families with financial assistance and monthly care plans, and in many cases provides emergency rent or utility assistance. This year, AGT will again provide Hope gift cards to assist Love INC in creating gift bags that include fun Christmas items, as well as gift cards to help families purchase food or clothing.

Avalon View Health and Wellness (Avalon View) is a senior living and rehabilitation center in Liberty. Last year, through AGT, we used your donations to purchase small essentials, as well as some fun items for residents. The 87 residents were allowed to choose items they needed or wanted through a “Christmas shopping experience”. This approach was well received, and we plan to do it again this year.

Cedars of Liberty is a retirement and assisted living facility in Liberty. As with Avalon View last year, we used AGT donations to gift 100 Cedar residents with small essentials and some fun items. Residents loved this approach, and we plan to do it again this year.

Thank you for helping to make the St. James Advent Giving Tree a bright spot for those in need!
The Advent Giving Tree Committee